Arduino’s Nesso N1 is a palm‑sized IoT development kit built to accelerate prototypes and compact smart devices. Co‑developed with M5Stack and priced at $49, it combines a color touchscreen, onboard sensors, and a wide mix of wireless standards in a single, expandable package.
At the heart of the Nesso N1 is the ESP32‑C6, a microcontroller tuned for low‑power IoT tasks. It’s paired with a 1.14‑inch display (135 x 240), two programmable buttons for quick interactions, and a buzzer for audible feedback. A built‑in 250 mAh battery keeps projects truly mobile, while a detachable antenna helps optimize signal quality when you need extra range or a cleaner build.
For sensing and control, the kit integrates a 6‑axis IMU to detect motion, acceleration, and orientation—ideal for gesture controls, activity tracking, or device wake features. An IR LED adds classic remote functionality, letting you control legacy TVs and other infrared appliances straight from your project.
Connectivity is a standout. The Nesso N1 supports Wi‑Fi and Bluetooth for everyday links, Thread and Zigbee for modern smart home mesh networks, and LoRa for long‑distance, low‑bitrate communication. That range of protocols makes it a flexible hub, node, or bridge in multi‑protocol environments—perfect for custom smart home controllers, remote sensors, handheld dashboards, or field data loggers.
Expansion is straightforward. USB ports are onboard, and you can snap in more capabilities via Grove and Qwiic ecosystems or tap into a dedicated HAT port with eight pins for additional modules and sensors. With the screen, buttons, and buzzer already integrated, you can move from idea to interactive prototype with far less wiring and clutter.
Key highlights
– ESP32‑C6 microcontroller optimized for IoT
– 1.14‑inch color touchscreen at 135 x 240 pixels
– Two programmable buttons and integrated buzzer
– 6‑axis IMU for motion, acceleration, and orientation
– Wi‑Fi, Bluetooth, Thread, Zigbee, and LoRa connectivity
– IR LED for controlling older TVs and IR devices
– 250 mAh rechargeable battery for on‑the‑go builds
– Detachable antenna for flexible installations
– USB ports, plus Grove, Qwiic, and an 8‑pin HAT expansion port
If you’re building compact smart home gadgets, experimenting with multi‑protocol IoT networks, or need a portable interface for sensors and actuators, the Nesso N1 delivers a lot of capability for the price. It’s available now for $49.
